A new anecdote from Lord Ivan Mountbatten reveals why Queen Elizabeth II once refused to open Bristol Airport’s new terminal—and the reason is both amusing and characteristically royal.
A Royal Shooting Weekend Sparks Frustration
Speaking on the Rosebud podcast, the late Queen’s third cousin once removed recounted a story from a trip to the Scottish Highlands. He was traveling with the Queen for a planned shooting weekend when airport security prevented him from flying with his shotguns.
Upon arriving at Balmoral Castle empty-handed, Lord Mountbatten said the Queen was far from pleased. She immediately instructed her equerry, believed to be Simon Brailsford, to ensure that the guns were delivered in time for the next day’s shooting activities.
“Simon, I would like Lord Ivar’s guns to be up here tomorrow morning. Please see to it,” she ordered.
The Terminal Invitation Gets Declined
The incident left the Queen irritated with the airport, and she reportedly quipped with her signature wit:
“They want me to open their new terminal. I don’t think I will now.”
True to her word, the Queen declined the invitation. The terminal was ultimately opened in 2015 by Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, instead.
A Humorous Royal Memory
Reflecting on the incident, Lord Mountbatten said with a chuckle: “Every time I go back to Bristol Airport now, it was opened by the Princess Royal and I have a quiet laugh to myself.”
This story provides a rare glimpse into Queen Elizabeth II’s personality, showing her humor, decisiveness, and firm sense of priorities—even when dealing with something as seemingly mundane as airport protocol.
